Miles Outlines IndyCar, IMS Revamp; Belskus Will Take Reduced Role With On-Track Product

Miles hopes to decide on the structure of his management staff by late April

Hulman & Co. CEO Mark Miles is “revving up an ambitious plan to overhaul the IndyCar Series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway management team,” according to Anthony Schoettle of the INDIANAPOLIS BUSINESS JOURNAL. Miles “wants to develop a revenue-sharing plan that assures the series and the tracks that host its races are motivated to roll in the same direction.” He said that his “first order of business is finding someone to replace” former IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard. Instead of “merely naming a replacement, Miles intends to create a new position, CEO of Hulman Racing, to oversee both the series and IMS.” He “hopes to decide on the structure of his management staff by late April and hire a CEO or CEOs by the time the green flag drops on the Indianapolis 500 May 26.” The “first priority for the new CEO would be to improve fan engagement -- including better marketing of drivers.” Miles wants to “create revenue pools that can be shared by the series and tracks, lifting all boats -- including teams and drivers.” He also is “considering selling sponsorships and signage across all the series’ races and sharing that money among the tracks.” A marketing campaign could include “broadcast ads and track signage that give the series’ marketing a uniform feel.” Schoettle notes while Miles is “still working out staff-restructuring details, it is clear that” IMS President & CEO and interim IndyCar CEO Jeff Belskus will be “less involved in the company’s on-track racing product.” He said that Belskus will “remain part of the management team, including maintaining his position on the Hulman & Co. board.” Miles added that Belskus will “oversee Clabber Girl and the company’s real estate interests, as well as technology, human resources and financial services for IndyCar and the IMS” (INDIANAPOLIS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/1 issue).